With nearby Richard Stockton College considering opening a second campus in Atlantic City, college officials said they may consider a former casino site.
Three city casinos—Trump Plaza, Showboat and Revel—could close at the end of the summer. At least two of the sites are seeking buyers and the third—Showboat—is accepting offers.
College officials have said that the college had made an offer on the former Atlantic Club casino site, which closed in January, but did not get the property, which was later sold for $13.5 million.
College President Herman J. Saatkamp told the Press of Atlantic City in a statement that the college is still very interested in opening a second campus in Atlantic City.
“The changing landscape in Atlantic City makes it more important than ever to diversify the economic base in Atlantic City as well as provide four-year degree and higher educational opportunities for the many employees being displaced,” the statement said. “A college campus complete with housing and surrounding businesses would be a significant asset to these needs. In an effort to promote these changes, Stockton continues to look at opportunities—both casino sites and other sites—in Atlantic City.”
Saatkamp, however, stressed that the price for any land must be considered.
“Making a decision to open a full campus in Atlantic City is not simple,” he said. “The economics of the investment have to be appropriate to the project. We cannot let the costs of opening this site affect the cost of an education for our existing 8,400 students.”
